Film Review - The King's Speech

Once in a while a film comes along that just captivates the hearts of the audience from start to finish. The King’s Speech is such a film for me.

I have always been interested in the history of our monarchy but this era of history wasn’t one I was particularly familiar with. A lot of attention was always given to Edward VIII who abdicates in order to marry Wallis Simpson and we know of course that George VI reluctantly takes to the throne but I knew little else about him. This film therefore was a chance to see history happening as it portrays many of the events in that era.

It tells the story of Albert Duke of York (born Albert Fredrick Arthur George) and his struggle to perform his public duties whilst suffering from a speech defect which he has had since a child. His father, King George V whilst respectful of his son’s devotion to duty, doesn’t seem to appreciate the difficulties “Bertie” faces in his role. Elizabeth, Bertie’s wife searches out a Mr Lionel Logue of Harley Street who is a speech therapist and he works with Bertie to help cure his problem. The film ends as Bertie now King George VI gives his radio broadcast to the empire on September 3^rd, 1939 after Britain has just declared war on Germany.

It is a deeply moving story, perhaps more so because of the knowledge that it is a true story. It show’s of a man’s determination to do his duty (albeit reluctantly at first), of his struggles with his own feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy when compared to his father and his brother. It explores his relationship with them and also in comparison the relationship and love between him and his wife and also his friend Lionel Logue who stand by him and help him through all his struggles.

The star-studded cast is led by Colin Firth, who is brilliant as the King. He manages to portray so effectively the King’s character and speech impediment that at times I almost forgot I was watching a film. The film is often shot with close up angles on Colin which emphasize the facial expressions and mannerisms that are characteristic to a speech stammer and again this adds to the realism of the piece and you find yourself drawn in to the character. Helena Bonham-Carter makes an excellent Elizabeth and visually, reminded me of the Queen Mother in her early years. She is a determined yet very caring and compassionate lady who is extremely loyal and protective of her family. The moments in private with her husband and her daughters were very tender and moving, whilst in contrast some of her scenes with other members of the family and with Mr Logue showed her to be very spirited and strong. Geoffrey Rush’s character brings the whole film together as he helps to bring out the man inside the King and shows him he has nothing to fear as he is a great man. There are many scenes with him and George that are highly emotive and you really sense the bonds of friendship that grow between them.

Some of my favourite parts of the film were those that gave you more of an insight into the early life and character of the King. For example, his speech impediment developed around the age of five and for the best part of his life he remembers his only friend being his Nanny. His brother David (Edward VIII) would often mock him quite cruelly both in private and public because of his speech defect and his marriage to Wallis Simpson drove an irreconcilable wedge between him and his brother which lasted until death. There is also a small mention of Prince John (Johnnie) who was Bertie’s younger brother but was kept hidden away from public life because of his epilepsy and who died aged 13. Both Bertie’s parents are shown as being rather cold and lacking in affection, whilst in comparison, both Bertie and Elizabeth displayed many signs of affection with their own daughters.

The whole film is a delight to watch, deeply moving, highly emotive and yet there is a real sense of triumph at the end of the film. I was so captivated by the journey that Bertie takes that in the final scenes when he makes that historical speech I wanted to stand and applaud. As an audience member you really share the great sense of achievement as he completes the speech. You feel for his character and his vulnerability and this just adds to the charm and overall appeal of the film. Everything about this film is exceptional; the actors, the costumes, the storyline and the soundtrack. I must confess a great delight that the music for the soundtrack is all by Beethoven who for me composed such deeply emotional music and each piece used really complimented the mood and emotion of each scene.  

This film has given me great respect for King George VI and made me want to explore more about his family. The story of how he faced adversity and did his duties in spite of it is something which can give hope to us all. I would thoroughly recommend this film, it is utterly brilliant and a total delight and well deserving of an Oscar – or two!!

The actual broadcast by King George VI from Buckingham Palace, 3rd September 1939